Comments (27)

I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!Useacarpark.com

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.

[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.Samej1

Welcome online Gazette! You are a little late to the party. Would have been good to gave something earlier and maybe someone on the ground with accurate reports, but understand you are under pressure to cut costs. Thankfully the Taunton Facebook page is full of good info.

Welcome online Gazette! You are a little late to the party. Would have been good to gave something earlier and maybe someone on the ground with accurate reports, but understand you are under pressure to cut costs. Thankfully the Taunton Facebook page is full of good info.TauntonBloke29

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

Usercarpark, you really do not know what you are commenting on !!!
Of course the problems we are facing, is due to the excessive Rain fall, that has fallen over the Last Month and still continuing into February. This rainfall has landed in and around Sedgemoor, finding its way down the Water Courses to the Somerset Levels. Where under normal Conditions, pre 2012/13 this water has be allowed to accumulate onto the Designated Flood Plains, however due to the excess this last 2 years, the River Tone and Brue, have Breached their Banks, the water has been allowed by the Environment Agency to inundate the Moors of Middle, Salt, BurrowBridge, Athelney, Muchelney, Langport, and the A361 again for over a Month.
Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????
The Seperate issue, is the Mishandling of the Situation by the E Agency, now
For the 2nd year running, they as an Organisation ,are NOT FIT For Purpose,
The E Agency, needs to be Culled from the Top Downwards, starting with Lord Steve Smith (Lab Peer) who Takes a £100k a year for a 3 day Week as the Chairman of this Quango.. Also Robbie Williams the SWest Manager, who still spouts the Rethoric that Dredging will not be the Answer, Why Twenty years ago when the E Agency, took over from the Local Drainage Boards, has the Maintenance of our Rivers decreased, because of Misguided Fools, with their Computor Generated River, tide Modules, local knowledge, is worth A Thousand Experts from the E Agency, sack the lot of them from Middle Management Up to the Top !!!!!!! .......the Agency engineers on the ground have everyone's appreciation for the fantastic jobs they have done.
But, when you have the Bosses, stating that Dredging is not the answer, but spending £Millions 17.4 ££££££££ on Jollies, travel, Bird Wetlands, protecting Beetles, there surely is something Drastically Amiss, surely the residents need protecting First, not the Birds who fly away, at the first sign of rising water levels.
Bring the Responsibility, back to the Local Drainage Boards ,with the Farmers and Landowners, participation, as many of them are 3-4-5 Generation Farmers working the Land on the Levels, not to be config used with the Wet Lands, Flood Plains.......Which are Designated Area's
David L Preece
Blue-Owl

[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]Usercarpark, you really do not know what you are commenting on !!!
Of course the problems we are facing, is due to the excessive Rain fall, that has fallen over the Last Month and still continuing into February. This rainfall has landed in and around Sedgemoor, finding its way down the Water Courses to the Somerset Levels. Where under normal Conditions, pre 2012/13 this water has be allowed to accumulate onto the Designated Flood Plains, however due to the excess this last 2 years, the River Tone and Brue, have Breached their Banks, the water has been allowed by the Environment Agency to inundate the Moors of Middle, Salt, BurrowBridge, Athelney, Muchelney, Langport, and the A361 again for over a Month.
Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????
The Seperate issue, is the Mishandling of the Situation by the E Agency, now
For the 2nd year running, they as an Organisation ,are NOT FIT For Purpose,
The E Agency, needs to be Culled from the Top Downwards, starting with Lord Steve Smith (Lab Peer) who Takes a £100k a year for a 3 day Week as the Chairman of this Quango.. Also Robbie Williams the SWest Manager, who still spouts the Rethoric that Dredging will not be the Answer, Why Twenty years ago when the E Agency, took over from the Local Drainage Boards, has the Maintenance of our Rivers decreased, because of Misguided Fools, with their Computor Generated River, tide Modules, local knowledge, is worth A Thousand Experts from the E Agency, sack the lot of them from Middle Management Up to the Top !!!!!!! .......the Agency engineers on the ground have everyone's appreciation for the fantastic jobs they have done.
But, when you have the Bosses, stating that Dredging is not the answer, but spending £Millions 17.4 ££££££££ on Jollies, travel, Bird Wetlands, protecting Beetles, there surely is something Drastically Amiss, surely the residents need protecting First, not the Birds who fly away, at the first sign of rising water levels.
Bring the Responsibility, back to the Local Drainage Boards ,with the Farmers and Landowners, participation, as many of them are 3-4-5 Generation Farmers working the Land on the Levels, not to be config used with the Wet Lands, Flood Plains.......Which are Designated Area's
David L Preece
Blue-OwlBlue Owl

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.

I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside

[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.[/p][/quote]I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countrysideUseacarpark.com

"Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????"

So you would rather Taunton flooded?

I've said it before on another site, having been born and raised in Somerset I would never choose to live on the Somerset Levels as I now they flood or are liable, maybe the people who choose to live there should do their homework before moving to the area!

Yes I have some sympathy with the conditions that they have at present and the lack of help this rubbish government have offered, but it was their choice to live there.

"Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????"
So you would rather Taunton flooded?
I've said it before on another site, having been born and raised in Somerset I would never choose to live on the Somerset Levels as I now they flood or are liable, maybe the people who choose to live there should do their homework before moving to the area!
Yes I have some sympathy with the conditions that they have at present and the lack of help this rubbish government have offered, but it was their choice to live there.Slow down!

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.

I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside

"blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....

[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.[/p][/quote]I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside[/p][/quote]"blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....Samej1

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.

I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside

&quot;blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....

War like spirit though? Which the "blitz" relates to. My idea would be for the council to offer a compulsory purchase order to those that want to relocate, because let's be honest no one will want to buy there. Then those that want to stay will have to come up with a viable solution with the relevant agencies that will allow more areas to be designated flood plains and also raise the level of the road. I would prefer to see a one off cost rather than hoping dredging will solve the problem.

[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.[/p][/quote]I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside[/p][/quote]"blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....[/p][/quote]War like spirit though? Which the "blitz" relates to. My idea would be for the council to offer a compulsory purchase order to those that want to relocate, because let's be honest no one will want to buy there. Then those that want to stay will have to come up with a viable solution with the relevant agencies that will allow more areas to be designated flood plains and also raise the level of the road. I would prefer to see a one off cost rather than hoping dredging will solve the problem.Useacarpark.com

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.

I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside

&quot;blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....

War like spirit though? Which the "blitz" relates to. My idea would be for the council to offer a compulsory purchase order to those that want to relocate, because let's be honest no one will want to buy there. Then those that want to stay will have to come up with a viable solution with the relevant agencies that will allow more areas to be designated flood plains and also raise the level of the road. I would prefer to see a one off cost rather than hoping dredging will solve the problem.

Great idea, drive over to Bathpool and offer this suggestion to the residents who've only just moved in....

[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.[/p][/quote]I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside[/p][/quote]"blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....[/p][/quote]War like spirit though? Which the "blitz" relates to. My idea would be for the council to offer a compulsory purchase order to those that want to relocate, because let's be honest no one will want to buy there. Then those that want to stay will have to come up with a viable solution with the relevant agencies that will allow more areas to be designated flood plains and also raise the level of the road. I would prefer to see a one off cost rather than hoping dredging will solve the problem.[/p][/quote]Great idea, drive over to Bathpool and offer this suggestion to the residents who've only just moved in....Samej1

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

Usercarpark, you really do not know what you are commenting on !!!
Of course the problems we are facing, is due to the excessive Rain fall, that has fallen over the Last Month and still continuing into February. This rainfall has landed in and around Sedgemoor, finding its way down the Water Courses to the Somerset Levels. Where under normal Conditions, pre 2012/13 this water has be allowed to accumulate onto the Designated Flood Plains, however due to the excess this last 2 years, the River Tone and Brue, have Breached their Banks, the water has been allowed by the Environment Agency to inundate the Moors of Middle, Salt, BurrowBridge, Athelney, Muchelney, Langport, and the A361 again for over a Month.
Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????
The Seperate issue, is the Mishandling of the Situation by the E Agency, now
For the 2nd year running, they as an Organisation ,are NOT FIT For Purpose,
The E Agency, needs to be Culled from the Top Downwards, starting with Lord Steve Smith (Lab Peer) who Takes a £100k a year for a 3 day Week as the Chairman of this Quango.. Also Robbie Williams the SWest Manager, who still spouts the Rethoric that Dredging will not be the Answer, Why Twenty years ago when the E Agency, took over from the Local Drainage Boards, has the Maintenance of our Rivers decreased, because of Misguided Fools, with their Computor Generated River, tide Modules, local knowledge, is worth A Thousand Experts from the E Agency, sack the lot of them from Middle Management Up to the Top !!!!!!! .......the Agency engineers on the ground have everyone's appreciation for the fantastic jobs they have done.
But, when you have the Bosses, stating that Dredging is not the answer, but spending £Millions 17.4 ££££££££ on Jollies, travel, Bird Wetlands, protecting Beetles, there surely is something Drastically Amiss, surely the residents need protecting First, not the Birds who fly away, at the first sign of rising water levels.
Bring the Responsibility, back to the Local Drainage Boards ,with the Farmers and Landowners, participation, as many of them are 3-4-5 Generation Farmers working the Land on the Levels, not to be config used with the Wet Lands, Flood Plains.......Which are Designated Area's
David L Preece
Blue-Owl

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Environment Agency only responsible for the Parret and the Tone while the Drainage Boards http://www.somersetd
rainageboards.gov.uk
/operations/maintena
nce/ are still responsible for the rhines and other water courses? Before 1996, when the government of the time setup the Environment Agency, I think it was the National Rivers Authority (not the Drainage Board) who had responsibility for the Tone and Parret, and prior to that it was Wessex Water (before it was privatised in 1989). So it wouldn't so much be 'bringing responsibility back' to the Drainage Boards, but giving them new responsibility, and that would only make sense if it covered the entire catchment area from Exmoor to the Mendips. Not likely me thinks.

When it comes to the current role of the EA, don't they just implement Government policy - in which case the target should surely be DEFRA (who make the policy), not the EA?

[quote][p][bold]Blue Owl[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]Usercarpark, you really do not know what you are commenting on !!!
Of course the problems we are facing, is due to the excessive Rain fall, that has fallen over the Last Month and still continuing into February. This rainfall has landed in and around Sedgemoor, finding its way down the Water Courses to the Somerset Levels. Where under normal Conditions, pre 2012/13 this water has be allowed to accumulate onto the Designated Flood Plains, however due to the excess this last 2 years, the River Tone and Brue, have Breached their Banks, the water has been allowed by the Environment Agency to inundate the Moors of Middle, Salt, BurrowBridge, Athelney, Muchelney, Langport, and the A361 again for over a Month.
Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????
The Seperate issue, is the Mishandling of the Situation by the E Agency, now
For the 2nd year running, they as an Organisation ,are NOT FIT For Purpose,
The E Agency, needs to be Culled from the Top Downwards, starting with Lord Steve Smith (Lab Peer) who Takes a £100k a year for a 3 day Week as the Chairman of this Quango.. Also Robbie Williams the SWest Manager, who still spouts the Rethoric that Dredging will not be the Answer, Why Twenty years ago when the E Agency, took over from the Local Drainage Boards, has the Maintenance of our Rivers decreased, because of Misguided Fools, with their Computor Generated River, tide Modules, local knowledge, is worth A Thousand Experts from the E Agency, sack the lot of them from Middle Management Up to the Top !!!!!!! .......the Agency engineers on the ground have everyone's appreciation for the fantastic jobs they have done.
But, when you have the Bosses, stating that Dredging is not the answer, but spending £Millions 17.4 ££££££££ on Jollies, travel, Bird Wetlands, protecting Beetles, there surely is something Drastically Amiss, surely the residents need protecting First, not the Birds who fly away, at the first sign of rising water levels.
Bring the Responsibility, back to the Local Drainage Boards ,with the Farmers and Landowners, participation, as many of them are 3-4-5 Generation Farmers working the Land on the Levels, not to be config used with the Wet Lands, Flood Plains.......Which are Designated Area's
David L Preece
Blue-Owl[/p][/quote]Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Environment Agency only responsible for the Parret and the Tone while the Drainage Boards http://www.somersetd
rainageboards.gov.uk
/operations/maintena
nce/ are still responsible for the rhines and other water courses? Before 1996, when the government of the time setup the Environment Agency, I think it was the National Rivers Authority (not the Drainage Board) who had responsibility for the Tone and Parret, and prior to that it was Wessex Water (before it was privatised in 1989). So it wouldn't so much be 'bringing responsibility back' to the Drainage Boards, but giving them new responsibility, and that would only make sense if it covered the entire catchment area from Exmoor to the Mendips. Not likely me thinks.
When it comes to the current role of the EA, don't they just implement Government policy - in which case the target should surely be DEFRA (who make the policy), not the EA?wivey

Please can I use this as an opportunity to say a big thank you to both the Environment Agency and Taunton Deane Borough Council who have both responded very quickly to the fact that our properties were at immediate risk of flooding due to a culvert grill being blocked with debris. Due to their immediate action, a large amount of properites have been saved from the misery experienced by others. Thank you to the two men who unblocked the grill and thank you to the two men from Taunton Deane who supplied sandbags within 2 hours of us requesting them. They are doing their very best at a very busy time, so please dont lose sight of the good work that is being done.

Please can I use this as an opportunity to say a big thank you to both the Environment Agency and Taunton Deane Borough Council who have both responded very quickly to the fact that our properties were at immediate risk of flooding due to a culvert grill being blocked with debris. Due to their immediate action, a large amount of properites have been saved from the misery experienced by others. Thank you to the two men who unblocked the grill and thank you to the two men from Taunton Deane who supplied sandbags within 2 hours of us requesting them. They are doing their very best at a very busy time, so please dont lose sight of the good work that is being done.Gem64

Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.FreeSpeech?

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.

I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside

&quot;blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....

War like spirit though? Which the "blitz" relates to. My idea would be for the council to offer a compulsory purchase order to those that want to relocate, because let's be honest no one will want to buy there. Then those that want to stay will have to come up with a viable solution with the relevant agencies that will allow more areas to be designated flood plains and also raise the level of the road. I would prefer to see a one off cost rather than hoping dredging will solve the problem.

Great idea, drive over to Bathpool and offer this suggestion to the residents who've only just moved in....

Have the bathpool properties been underwater for a month? No I didn't think so....

[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]I guess it's easy to write this is in a dry, warm and damage-free abode isn't it - the blitz spirit was alive and well on the levels last night with people risking flood water travelling from far afield to help with sand bags... I guess you weren't one of them, eh.[/p][/quote]I suppose world war and flooding is comparable......so people ignored the road closed signs and risked their own lives to take out sand bags to an area of flooding the size of Bristol? Sounds about as stupid as buying a house on on flood plain! Getting bored of all this now, it's flooded for decades even with dredging, so it's about time a decision was made to stop ploughing tax payers money into this area and accept the inevitable. A house is just a house, it's better to have a warm dry house all year round than have a constant risk of flooding just to have some nice views of the countryside[/p][/quote]"blitz spirit" isn't comparing this to a war, it's a description of the way people are rallying round those who are suffering, HTH.
Do you propose moving all people from all flood plains? What are the parameters you have in mind, 1 in 100yr possibility, 1 in 10yr?
Things aren't as simple as you think, leave the levels to flood and there will be a whole lotta other consequences you don't even want to think about....[/p][/quote]War like spirit though? Which the "blitz" relates to. My idea would be for the council to offer a compulsory purchase order to those that want to relocate, because let's be honest no one will want to buy there. Then those that want to stay will have to come up with a viable solution with the relevant agencies that will allow more areas to be designated flood plains and also raise the level of the road. I would prefer to see a one off cost rather than hoping dredging will solve the problem.[/p][/quote]Great idea, drive over to Bathpool and offer this suggestion to the residents who've only just moved in....[/p][/quote]Have the bathpool properties been underwater for a month? No I didn't think so....Useacarpark.com

FreeSpeech? wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true.

If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.

Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

[quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true.
If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.
Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!Slow down!

Unbelievable, yesterday whilst driving I heard that £4m was given to getting poor people to vote, better spent on flood prevention. Councils all so plan to shut roads due to lack of funding all cross the UK.
About time they repaired the pothole properly instead of the same hole numerous times!

Unbelievable, yesterday whilst driving I heard that £4m was given to getting poor people to vote, better spent on flood prevention. Councils all so plan to shut roads due to lack of funding all cross the UK.
About time they repaired the pothole properly instead of the same hole numerous times!FreeSpeech?

FreeSpeech? wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true.

If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.

Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.

[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true.
If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.
Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else![/p][/quote]But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.wivey

Useacarpark.com wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport!

Usercarpark, you really do not know what you are commenting on !!!
Of course the problems we are facing, is due to the excessive Rain fall, that has fallen over the Last Month and still continuing into February. This rainfall has landed in and around Sedgemoor, finding its way down the Water Courses to the Somerset Levels. Where under normal Conditions, pre 2012/13 this water has be allowed to accumulate onto the Designated Flood Plains, however due to the excess this last 2 years, the River Tone and Brue, have Breached their Banks, the water has been allowed by the Environment Agency to inundate the Moors of Middle, Salt, BurrowBridge, Athelney, Muchelney, Langport, and the A361 again for over a Month.
Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????
The Seperate issue, is the Mishandling of the Situation by the E Agency, now
For the 2nd year running, they as an Organisation ,are NOT FIT For Purpose,
The E Agency, needs to be Culled from the Top Downwards, starting with Lord Steve Smith (Lab Peer) who Takes a £100k a year for a 3 day Week as the Chairman of this Quango.. Also Robbie Williams the SWest Manager, who still spouts the Rethoric that Dredging will not be the Answer, Why Twenty years ago when the E Agency, took over from the Local Drainage Boards, has the Maintenance of our Rivers decreased, because of Misguided Fools, with their Computor Generated River, tide Modules, local knowledge, is worth A Thousand Experts from the E Agency, sack the lot of them from Middle Management Up to the Top !!!!!!! .......the Agency engineers on the ground have everyone's appreciation for the fantastic jobs they have done.
But, when you have the Bosses, stating that Dredging is not the answer, but spending £Millions 17.4 ££££££££ on Jollies, travel, Bird Wetlands, protecting Beetles, there surely is something Drastically Amiss, surely the residents need protecting First, not the Birds who fly away, at the first sign of rising water levels.
Bring the Responsibility, back to the Local Drainage Boards ,with the Farmers and Landowners, participation, as many of them are 3-4-5 Generation Farmers working the Land on the Levels, not to be config used with the Wet Lands, Flood Plains.......Which are Designated Area's
David L Preece
Blue-Owl

For Christ's sake, learn when to use capital letters as the first letter of a word. I gave up on your rant because of that, other than to see the spelling mistakes. As it intrigued me so much I re-read whilst writing this comment. Strangely you spatter capitalisation but spell Somerset with a small initial S. Punctuation and grammar - please find an Adult Learning Course.

[quote][p][bold]Blue Owl[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Useacarpark.com[/bold] wrote:
I would just like to add that this flooding has nothing to do with extreme levels of rainfall, but because the Environment Agency haven't dredged all rivers and streams in somerset........Now I demand everyone pay more tax, charities give me money and the council provide me with free boat transport![/p][/quote]Usercarpark, you really do not know what you are commenting on !!!
Of course the problems we are facing, is due to the excessive Rain fall, that has fallen over the Last Month and still continuing into February. This rainfall has landed in and around Sedgemoor, finding its way down the Water Courses to the Somerset Levels. Where under normal Conditions, pre 2012/13 this water has be allowed to accumulate onto the Designated Flood Plains, however due to the excess this last 2 years, the River Tone and Brue, have Breached their Banks, the water has been allowed by the Environment Agency to inundate the Moors of Middle, Salt, BurrowBridge, Athelney, Muchelney, Langport, and the A361 again for over a Month.
Just to ensure that Parts of Taunton, the County Town does not Suffer Floods,
It seems to be OK for the Residents of Our Countryside to have their lives Devastated for 4-6 weeks ongoing Misery!!! It Is Not OK !!!!!!!!!?????
The Seperate issue, is the Mishandling of the Situation by the E Agency, now
For the 2nd year running, they as an Organisation ,are NOT FIT For Purpose,
The E Agency, needs to be Culled from the Top Downwards, starting with Lord Steve Smith (Lab Peer) who Takes a £100k a year for a 3 day Week as the Chairman of this Quango.. Also Robbie Williams the SWest Manager, who still spouts the Rethoric that Dredging will not be the Answer, Why Twenty years ago when the E Agency, took over from the Local Drainage Boards, has the Maintenance of our Rivers decreased, because of Misguided Fools, with their Computor Generated River, tide Modules, local knowledge, is worth A Thousand Experts from the E Agency, sack the lot of them from Middle Management Up to the Top !!!!!!! .......the Agency engineers on the ground have everyone's appreciation for the fantastic jobs they have done.
But, when you have the Bosses, stating that Dredging is not the answer, but spending £Millions 17.4 ££££££££ on Jollies, travel, Bird Wetlands, protecting Beetles, there surely is something Drastically Amiss, surely the residents need protecting First, not the Birds who fly away, at the first sign of rising water levels.
Bring the Responsibility, back to the Local Drainage Boards ,with the Farmers and Landowners, participation, as many of them are 3-4-5 Generation Farmers working the Land on the Levels, not to be config used with the Wet Lands, Flood Plains.......Which are Designated Area's
David L Preece
Blue-Owl[/p][/quote]For Christ's sake, learn when to use capital letters as the first letter of a word. I gave up on your rant because of that, other than to see the spelling mistakes. As it intrigued me so much I re-read whilst writing this comment. Strangely you spatter capitalisation but spell Somerset with a small initial S. Punctuation and grammar - please find an Adult Learning Course.HipposRule

FreeSpeech? wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true.

If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.

Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.

Not strictly true - if the rivers had more capacity the pumping would be effective earlier, shortening and lessening the flooding impact (oddly enough, just like it used to be before the maintenance stopped)

[quote][p][bold]wivey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true.
If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.
Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else![/p][/quote]But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.[/p][/quote]Not strictly true - if the rivers had more capacity the pumping would be effective earlier, shortening and lessening the flooding impact (oddly enough, just like it used to be before the maintenance stopped)Samej1

FreeSpeech? wrote: Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true. If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two. Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.

But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!
Yes there will still be some flooding in some parts as its a well known fact to people who have lived here for a long time that the Levels are meant to flood so that towns like Taunton and Bridgewater don't.

I'm fed up of reading about people who have only lived here a short time moaning about the Levels flooding, do your homework before you buy and move from London!

[quote][p][bold]wivey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote: Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true. If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two. Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else![/p][/quote]But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.[/p][/quote]But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!
Yes there will still be some flooding in some parts as its a well known fact to people who have lived here for a long time that the Levels are meant to flood so that towns like Taunton and Bridgewater don't.
I'm fed up of reading about people who have only lived here a short time moaning about the Levels flooding, do your homework before you buy and move from London!Slow down!

FreeSpeech? wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true.

If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.

Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.

Not strictly true - if the rivers had more capacity the pumping would be effective earlier, shortening and lessening the flooding impact (oddly enough, just like it used to be before the maintenance stopped)

Point taken. Although hasn't the sheer volume of water been so great that dredging would only have impacted on the margins (both geographically and in the time the flooding has lasted i.e. a smaller area for less time, but badly flooded nonetheless)?

[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]wivey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true.
If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.
Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else![/p][/quote]But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.[/p][/quote]Not strictly true - if the rivers had more capacity the pumping would be effective earlier, shortening and lessening the flooding impact (oddly enough, just like it used to be before the maintenance stopped)[/p][/quote]Point taken. Although hasn't the sheer volume of water been so great that dredging would only have impacted on the margins (both geographically and in the time the flooding has lasted i.e. a smaller area for less time, but badly flooded nonetheless)?wivey

FreeSpeech? wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true.

If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.

Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.

Not strictly true - if the rivers had more capacity the pumping would be effective earlier, shortening and lessening the flooding impact (oddly enough, just like it used to be before the maintenance stopped)

Point taken. Although hasn't the sheer volume of water been so great that dredging would only have impacted on the margins (both geographically and in the time the flooding has lasted i.e. a smaller area for less time, but badly flooded nonetheless)?

It's a moot point that I guess only hydrographic engineers can answer - without researching historic rainfall data and corresponding flooding reports I can't really make an informed comment - but looking at anecdotal evidence from generational farmers etc. personally I feel dredging is 'part' of the answer, vital but we also need to look at controlling the whole river(s) catchment to slow the movement from hills, towns and fields into the levels.

[quote][p][bold]wivey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Samej1[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]wivey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote:
Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true.
If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two.
Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else![/p][/quote]But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.[/p][/quote]Not strictly true - if the rivers had more capacity the pumping would be effective earlier, shortening and lessening the flooding impact (oddly enough, just like it used to be before the maintenance stopped)[/p][/quote]Point taken. Although hasn't the sheer volume of water been so great that dredging would only have impacted on the margins (both geographically and in the time the flooding has lasted i.e. a smaller area for less time, but badly flooded nonetheless)?[/p][/quote]It's a moot point that I guess only hydrographic engineers can answer - without researching historic rainfall data and corresponding flooding reports I can't really make an informed comment - but looking at anecdotal evidence from generational farmers etc. personally I feel dredging is 'part' of the answer, vital but we also need to look at controlling the whole river(s) catchment to slow the movement from hills, towns and fields into the levels.Samej1

It's been written before but if you dig a bigger hole when the tide rises, as in the Parret, the hole will fill up again - pushing the water back into the land again.The Parret and the river network is not a solid sided bucket!

It's been written before but if you dig a bigger hole when the tide rises, as in the Parret, the hole will fill up again - pushing the water back into the land again.The Parret and the river network is not a solid sided bucket!Anonone

A footnote - having just watched scenes where a helicopter hovers over peoples homes and tells them to evacuate now due to imminent danger, anyone callous enough to call people who live there 'stupid' or 'should have known' etc. needs to hand in their membership badge to compassionate society right now, you don't deserve it.

A footnote - having just watched scenes where a helicopter hovers over peoples homes and tells them to evacuate now due to imminent danger, anyone callous enough to call people who live there 'stupid' or 'should have known' etc. needs to hand in their membership badge to compassionate society right now, you don't deserve it.Samej1

FreeSpeech? wrote: Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true. If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two. Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.

But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!
Yes there will still be some flooding in some parts as its a well known fact to people who have lived here for a long time that the Levels are meant to flood so that towns like Taunton and Bridgewater don't.

I'm fed up of reading about people who have only lived here a short time moaning about the Levels flooding, do your homework before you buy and move from London!

Quote from Slow Down: "But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!"

It's actually very far from simple. Unlike many posters on here, I have some understanding of fluid dynamics and hydrology. Dredging alone will do very little to alleviate the type of flooding we are currently experiencing. IMHO upstream storm water attenuation would be the most effective option.

[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]wivey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote: Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true. If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two. Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else![/p][/quote]But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.[/p][/quote]But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!
Yes there will still be some flooding in some parts as its a well known fact to people who have lived here for a long time that the Levels are meant to flood so that towns like Taunton and Bridgewater don't.
I'm fed up of reading about people who have only lived here a short time moaning about the Levels flooding, do your homework before you buy and move from London![/p][/quote]Quote from Slow Down: "But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!"
It's actually very far from simple. Unlike many posters on here, I have some understanding of fluid dynamics and hydrology. Dredging alone will do very little to alleviate the type of flooding we are currently experiencing. IMHO upstream storm water attenuation would be the most effective option.Jamesey

FreeSpeech? wrote: Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.

So true. If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two. Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else!

But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.

But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!
Yes there will still be some flooding in some parts as its a well known fact to people who have lived here for a long time that the Levels are meant to flood so that towns like Taunton and Bridgewater don't.

I'm fed up of reading about people who have only lived here a short time moaning about the Levels flooding, do your homework before you buy and move from London!

Quote from Slow Down: &quot;But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!"

It's actually very far from simple. Unlike many posters on here, I have some understanding of fluid dynamics and hydrology. Dredging alone will do very little to alleviate the type of flooding we are currently experiencing. IMHO upstream storm water attenuation would be the most effective option.

And how many "water tanks" will you need to stop an area the size of bristol from flooding?

[quote][p][bold]Jamesey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]wivey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Slow down![/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]FreeSpeech?[/bold] wrote: Those that get upset about dredging should understand that if you dredge the river you increase the depth thus increasing the volume at low tide you then increase the drainage . The RSPB has too much sway in my opinion in the UK.[/p][/quote]So true. If I have a one Gallon bucket I can only carry one Gallon, if I have a two Gallon bucket I can carry two. Its as simple as that, so all the people saying dreading won't work then please suggest something else![/p][/quote]But one gallon bucket or two gallon, it doesn't make much difference if you've got 1000 gallons of water to shift. Even when dredged the rivers have only got so much capacity and the amount of water coming off the catchment area is, I suspect, way in excess of what they can carry.[/p][/quote]But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!
Yes there will still be some flooding in some parts as its a well known fact to people who have lived here for a long time that the Levels are meant to flood so that towns like Taunton and Bridgewater don't.
I'm fed up of reading about people who have only lived here a short time moaning about the Levels flooding, do your homework before you buy and move from London![/p][/quote]Quote from Slow Down: "But its simple, if you double the depth of the river for several miles by dredging (like they used to do) then it can take twice as much if not more the volume it currently does, it really is that simple!"
It's actually very far from simple. Unlike many posters on here, I have some understanding of fluid dynamics and hydrology. Dredging alone will do very little to alleviate the type of flooding we are currently experiencing. IMHO upstream storm water attenuation would be the most effective option.[/p][/quote]And how many "water tanks" will you need to stop an area the size of bristol from flooding?Useacarpark.com

"Tanks" aren't necessarily required. Areas can be designed to become flood attenuation zones, such as Longrun Meadow in Taunton. Their extent (and cost) depends on what size storm needs to be protected against. Defences could be sized for a storm that has a chance of occurring once in 100 years, but that storm could still happen next year. Also, our changing climate appears to be causing extreme weather events to happen more frequently.

My point is that flood defences need to be based on science and statistical analysis, not rhetoric from politicians or personal opinions.

"Tanks" aren't necessarily required. Areas can be designed to become flood attenuation zones, such as Longrun Meadow in Taunton. Their extent (and cost) depends on what size storm needs to be protected against. Defences could be sized for a storm that has a chance of occurring once in 100 years, but that storm could still happen next year. Also, our changing climate appears to be causing extreme weather events to happen more frequently.
My point is that flood defences need to be based on science and statistical analysis, not rhetoric from politicians or personal opinions.Jamesey

There are lots of options that should have been implemented once the decision to stop dredging was made yet nothing was done, now we are seeing the consequences of that decision many years later.

I find it amazing that the government seems to struggle to raise cash to help the people affected in their own country yet can send millions and millions of aid at a drop of a hat to countries that want to destroy themselves or start space programmes!

Too little too late.

There are lots of options that should have been implemented once the decision to stop dredging was made yet nothing was done, now we are seeing the consequences of that decision many years later.
I find it amazing that the government seems to struggle to raise cash to help the people affected in their own country yet can send millions and millions of aid at a drop of a hat to countries that want to destroy themselves or start space programmes!
Too little too late.Slow down!